Chapter3
1210 Words
“He's awake! His eyes are open!” Grandpa grinned, holding onto Mr. Bukowski’s sleeve.
“It's okay.” Mr. Bukowski said.
Scott's eyes were weak, he could barely open them. “Grandpa…” He muttered weakly.
“Yes, my child.” Grandpa responded and caressed his face. “How are you?”
His lips were mute and dry, dripping saliva.
“Why is he doing that?” Grandpa cried, picking up a napkin by the side of the table and damped his lips. “You'll be fine. Grandpa is here.”
“Dad, I think you should leave Sarah to do this.” Mr. Bukowski said.
“No, I don't want some random person to take care of him. I can do a better job at that.”
“Are you?...” Mr. Bukowski was unable to finish when the ringing tone of his device interrupted.
“Excuse me, let me take this.” He said and excused himself to a distant corner. The caller ID revealed Dave.
“ What did you find?” He asked.
“ Nothing new yet. The doctors are yet to conduct the autopsy.” Dave said.
“ Don't call me if you don't have anything significant to say.” He blurted out.
“ I just wanted to…” Mr. Bukowski hung up and stared deeply into space. What could have caused his sudden change of countenance?
He squeezed the phone in his palms and dashed out of the room, slamming the door.
Grandpa was left perplexed and worried simultaneously. His grandson is fighting for his life and his son suddenly left the house, without a word.
“Grandpa…” Scott's weak voice called out.
“Oh, thank goodness. How are you feeling?” Grandpa asked. Scott's face was quite better but was damp with sweat.
“A lot better…” he responded.
“I'm glad, child.”
“Where is dad?”
Grandpa realized where the question was headed. “Where is he?”He asked again, in a more demanding manner.
“He stepped out a few minutes ago.”
Scott turned his face away from Grandpa, he was right after all.
“He never cares. “
“You know that ain't true. He loves you so much, but has urgent business to attend to.”
“That's what he says, business. Perhaps I drop dead this instant, I won't be amazed if he goes about his business. Why do I care anyways? Not that he's important.” He said and a tear dropped from his eyes.
“Death seems like a tale to you…” Grandpa said.
“What do you mean?” Scott asked, turning his face to Grandpa, amazingly to see him in tears.
“You know I hate it when I see tears in your eyes.” He said and attempted to sit up, but fell back out of weakness.
“Be gentle, you have an injury on your neck.” He warned.
“It's nothing compared to your tears. Please get rid of them.” He said and finally strived to sit up, gently wiping Grandpa's face.
Grandpa dropped his stick and drew out a pillow, placing it behind Scott.
“Yeah, I'm much more comfortable.” He said and they both smiled.
“Never mention “death” to my ears.”
“I won't. I promise. I was just trying to make a point.”
“I understand you. You can make a point without it, alright?”
“Definitely.” He nodded. “See old Grandpa acting like a child. It shows how much you love me.” He said and they both threw their heads backwards in laughter.
“I'm flattered.”
“Yeah…”
“But…where were you? You didn't return home last night.”
Scott raised his brows. “Or was it Bridget?” He asked again.
“No, it has nothing to do with her…” he said and lowered his head.
“Then what happened?”
“I…I was way-layed. Some dude and his friends who like Bridget attacked me,, something like that. I was returning from her apartment when it happened. In order to avoid fights, I ran into the woods, but they were persistent and still chased…”
“Okay?” Grandpa asked inquisitively.
“Then suddenly, something brought me down.”
“What was it?”
“I couldn't tell but it left me with this on my neck.” He said and turned his neck to show Grandpa.
“I saw that. You should be more careful next time…and as for those lads, they're your school mates right?”
“Yes.”
“Good. I'll be reporting to the principal.”
“No, you shouldn't do that.”
“You won't tell me what I should and shouldn't do, son. Let me make you tea, as you love it.”
Scott managed to smile but deep down, he perhaps regretted letting it out.
“I'll make you some tea, a really nice one.” Grandpa grunted, picking his walking stick and turned to leave when the door opened.
She was delightful. Her curly lashes, thick eyebrows, pink lips…and long hair made her every high school boy crush. Not to talk of her height which added more beauty to her.
“Hey Scott …” she said and rushed to sit next to Scott.
“Hey Bridget.” Grandpa greeted.
“Oh my,, I'm so sorry. I didn't realize you were here. I …”
“Nah, no offense taken. I understand.”
She shot a grin at him. “I guess I'll excuse you guys now. “ Grandpa said.
“Tea!” Scott shouted as Grandpa had reached the door.
“Tea.” he said and shut the door.
Bridget paused for a while and kissed Scott on his lips.
“What's up with you?” He asked, surprised at her sudden action.
“I was scared for you.” she said,with her head lowered and driving her hair to hang on her ear.
“Why won't you be since you stole my heart. You think I'll let you be?” He teased.
“I'm serious!” She cried and tugged at his shoulder. “Can you stop teasing? I'm for real.”
“I'm so sorry. I promise not to get injured.”
“I don't trust you. If you die, I'll kill you. No messing around.”
“Yes mom.”
“I said I'm serious Scott!”
“I'm sorry.” He burst into laughter.
“Please promise to always take care of yourself.”
“You'll be doing that for me.” He said and looked deeply into her eyes and slowly kissed her succulent lips. “I love you.” He whispered.
“That's enough.” She said and he stopped.
“I need to talk to you.”
“Alright, I'm all ears.”
“Promise not to get mad or…overreact.”
“What is that? It depends. Not like you're breaking up with me.” He chuckled.
Every emotion eluded Bridget's face;it was blank. Scott had soon noticed it and acted serious now.
“What is it?” He questioned.
“Christine and I had …” She said,
- Writer
